Waste Treatment Options with their Pros and Cons
Biomedical waste treatment methods aim to reduce the hazard posed by medical waste, ensuring it is safe for disposal or further handling. Here are the common treatment options, along with their advantages and limitations: 1. Autoclaving (Steam Sterilization) An autoclave is a machine used to carry out processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure in relation to ambient pressure and/or temperature. Advantages : Effective at sterilizing infectious waste. Environmentally friendly; uses steam and heat, no harmful emissions. Can be used on a variety of waste types, including plastics and textiles. Limitations : Not suitable for all types of waste (e.g., chemical or pharmaceutical waste). Requires significant energy for heating. Treated waste may still require shredding for volume reduction. 2. Incineration Incineration is the process of burning hazardous materials at temperatures high enough to destroy contaminants. Incineration is conducted in an “incinerator,” which is a ty